9 great pieces of modern New York Yankees memorabilia

We take a look at some great pieces of modern New York Yankees baseball memorabilia

Derek Jeter made his debut for the Yankees in 1995, where he swiftly established himself as a powerful shortstop.

Regularly referred to as one of the greatest players of hisgeneration, it goes without saying that Jeter leaves behind a big pair of shoes.

In honour of his extraordinary career we decided to look at some modern New York Yankees memorabilia, focusing on pieces from the past 20 years.

Paul Fraser, founder of Paul Fraser Collectibles, commented: "While memorabilia from the murderer's row era regularly hits the headlines, we hear much less about modernYankees memorabilia.

"But that's not to say that major sums aren't changing hands. Legends are being made in stadiums across America. As always, investing in high quality collectibles now could well pay off in the future."

Jim Leyritz' key to the city of New York

During Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, with the Yankees 6-3 down, things were looking grim.

Rudy Giuliani presented Leyritz with this key to New York in 1996

And thenJim Leyritz stepped up to the plate. He managed to pull the game back in the Yankees' favour with an inspired three run home run.

Leyritz was the hero of the hour. The Yankees went on to win the game and the series. Soon after he was presented with this key by New York mayor Rudy Giuliani on behalf of a grateful city.

It sold for $1,500 at Heritage Auctions in 2012.

2008 Alex Rodriguez home run bat

A-Rod used this bat to hit his 523rd home run

Alex Rodriguez (or A-Rod) hit his 523rd career home run during a particularly bleak game against the Baltimore Orioles during the 2008 season.

The bat is inscribed "Game Used 5-20-08, Career HR #523 vs. Cabrera" and sold for $3,500 at Heritage Auctions.

2007 Alex Rodriguez helmet

Rodriguez used this helmet throughout the 2007 season

Rodriguez used this helmet, which displays heavy wear, throughout the 2007 season. Rodriguez hit his landmark 500th home run during this time, making it a key piece of memorabilia from the 2000s.

It made $4,250 at Heritage in 2008.

1999 Mariano Rivera uniform

Mariano Rivera was at the height of his career in 1999, having been chosen for the All Star team for the second time running.

Rivera was the last professional player to wear the number 42 on his jersey

The jersey features the number 42, which also belonged to Jackie Robinson.

In 1997the number was retired inRobinson's honour- although Rivera continued to use it right up until his retirement in 2013.

The lot features a strong signature over the breast pocket and sold for $5,500 at Heritage in 2012.

2001 Phil Rizzuto golden anniversary uniform

The Yankees 2001 jacket had a flag added to the arm to commemorate the September 11 attacks

This jacket and uniform was worn by shortstop Phil Rizzuto during the Yankees' 2001 season. The design is a recreation of the team's 1951 jersey.

Following the attack on the Twin Towers a US flag patch was added to the right arm of each player's jacket.

The lot achieved$6,500 at Geppi's Memorial Show in 2006.

Derek Jeter's 2006 final game uniform

Jeter put in an inspired performance in the 2006 season, earning himself an All Star nomination in the process.

Jeter recieved an All Star nomination in 2006

This uniform was worn in the final game against the Toronto Blue Jays, later selling for $7,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas.

Modern Yankees uniforms are particularly difficult to get hold of, as Heritage explained at the time: "Collectors are well aware that Yankees game material is closely controlled by the organization, making it the toughest and most valuable of all modern gamers."

1996 World Series trophy

The 1996 World Series saw the Yankeestake victory after 17 years in the wilderness.

The trophy was given to a worker in the Yankees' offices

This trophywas given to a worker in the Yankees offices and displays press pins with the logos of theteam and their opponent in the World Series, theAtlanta Braves.

It realised $8,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2012.

Derek Jeter 1994 first order bat

This is one of Jeter's first professional bats, displaying both his name and the Yankees logo on the barrel.

This is one of Derek Jeter's first professional bats

While he didn't make it to the major leagues in 1994, he was on the team's spring training roster.

The bat is one of 12 ordered from Louisville Slugger for his transition to the majors. It displays heavy use, with major contact marks, and is signed in blue ink.

It realised $16,000 at Heritage in 2011.

2009 World Series ring

The ring features 113 diamonds

The 2009 World Series marked the first victory for the Yankees in nine seasons.